Time controlled switch



P 22, 1931- H. w. DRIFTMEYER 1,824,040

TIME CONTROLLED SWITCH Filed March 24, 1928 va WM Patented Sept. 22, 1931 PATENT orrlcs HUGE w. nnmmn, or nos'ron, mssacnusnrrs 1 rncaoomnou-nn swrrcn a pncatm mea Iarch at, 19 28. Serial No. 264,488..

-My invention relates totime controlled switches for electric circuits. i

Its primary object is to provide an efiicien and commercially practicable means for autot maticallyclosing the lighting circuit on an automobile at a predetermined time, whichmay be varied'byadjustable means- A secondary objectis to provide such a device for use any electric circuit whereby 1D the circuit may beclosed or-opened at a predetermined time which may be varied and indicated. A particular advantage of m invention lies in its adaptation for use wit an ordinaryclock, and preferably an alarm clock. Other advantages lie'in the insulation of the device'from the clock mechanism; the elimination of spring actuated detents and the like; and in' its simplicity of constructionand itsada'ptability to use either as'a time controlled circuit closer or'breaker.

' inventionconsists in the novel combinationaof elements in combination with an ordinary timepiece.

In the accompanying specifications l claims and the drawings orming a partthereof, I havedescribed and illustrated a pre ferred form of my invention, V In-the drawings, a t Fig. 1 is a face view'of an alarm clock with which I have embodied my invention, and in which part of the clock dial is broken away, and the clock mechanism omitted in'the interests of simplicity. V I

Fig. 2 is a side elevation partially-in section of my device in connection with a. clock of ordinary construction, the timing mechanism of which is concealed, as without novelt. lgig. 3 is an enlarged sectional elevation, substantially oni line.3*3, Fig. 4, ofthe switch portion of my invention. A

Fig. 4 is a section substantially on line 4---4',Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the application of myinvention to the light circuit of an automobile. v v 1 In the drawings, A is aclock with dial 10, minute hand 11, and hour hand 12, the usual clock mechanism being employed. To the center arbor 13 of the elock',is" secured the pinion 14, and through the gear train 15, 16, 17, 18, the shaft 19 and the sleeve 20', on which isvpressed the minute hand, are rotated in unison. This is the gear train ordinarily employed in an alarm clock, and'is here shown in connection with my device, the alarm mechanism bein eliminated and only the alarmsettin shai t and the gear train being retained. t is here described as, for practical reasons and adaptability to attachment to the instrument board of an auto mobile,it may be advisable to rearrange the elements in connection with an automobile clock of the usual ,constructiomjwithout affecting the results to be attained. To the clock frame is secured the extension frame 21, and theshaft 19 is extended therethrough and journalled at 22. ,This shaft extends through the disc 23, Figs?) and 4, which function as one element of a thrust bearing reacting againstthe frame 21. To the en of the shaft is rigidly secured the com anion disc24, and a plurality ofballs are pre erably interposed between the discs to minimize friction of rotation. To the face of the disc 24 is rigidly secured the insulation disc25', and inset therein is the metalswitch segment 26, which functions as the shaft 19 rotates in unison with the center arbor 13 through the gear train described. Enclosing the discs is .the chambered element 27, rotatable concentrically about the discs 24, 25, but annularly separated therefrom. This element is retained in axial alignment by means of thedisc'23, which serves as a journal therefore, and its axial movement is limited by thering 28secured to the frame 21. The element 27 in its end, with the eccentrically disposed 0 ening 29, in which are mounted the insulate term1nals'3()31,'one of which is inconstant engagement with the switch segment'26, preferably at its axis of rotation, the other being angularly adjustable thereabout as the chambered element is rotated as will be described. This element 27 95 is provided with v the, annular gear 32, meshing with a gear 33*0f equal size, rigidly secured to the shaft 34, which is journaled at V dicator together" with the time during which shaft 34, the indicator 38 also rigid with the shaft, may be rotated to align with markings.

on the dial 39, for the purpose indicating the time at which the circuit will close and the lights operate. The dial 39 is marked to correspond with the limits within which theswitch will operate to close the circuit, andasthe indicator is swung to indicate the par-' ticular time at which'itv is desired to close the'circuit, the chambered element 27 iscorrespondingly rotated, and the radial position of the terminal 31 varied accordingly. The

switch segment 26is radially positioned in-' fixed relation to the timing mechanism of the clock, andis' coordinated with the terminal a 31. to closethe circuit at the time indicatedlon the dial 39. jAfter the circuit is closed, it

I so ,remainsd'uring thetime the segment'is rotating in contact with the terminal 31, the

terminal 30 as stated being always engaged. In the drawings the range of the dialis shown as six hours, and includes a segment of 180 V degrees subdivided accordingly. 'VVith the dial so spaced, the included angle of the.

switch segment mustbe less than 7l80 degrees, in order thatthe setting may be made afull six hours in, advance of the closing of the circuit. The time duringwhich the circuit complete cycle ofthe timing mechanism of will remain closedis therefore dependent on the included. angle ofthe segment, and in this case cannot exceed six hours.

[jIfthe included angle .of the segment be lessen'ed,the range of the dial may becorrespondinglyincreased, "the reverse'being 0bviously true. As the timeof setting the inthe circuit remains closed, is limited by one the clock, and as the timeduringwhich the lights may be required may-over run, provision is made as will be presentlydescribed,

to shunt'the electric current directly through the lights to provide continuous lighting as long as the light switch of the automobile is in on position.

r In Fig.5 I have shown diagrammatically,

' the lighting circuit ofan automobile in which I have incorporated my device, and reference thereto will explain the operation and action thereof. A In this'figure, the clockA and the controlling device-B are mounted as a unit on theinstrument board of an automobile. The headlights D and the tail light E The indicator 38 isswung to indicate on the dial 39, thetime at which it'is desired that are in circuit with the battery F, fromwhich extends wiring to the terminalsand lights.

the circuit beclosed and the'lights lit. This may be done at any time. within therange of the dia1,'which in conjunction with the; 7 switch segment, permits the terminal 31 to engage the insulation disc 25, as it'rotates in unison with'the center arbor 13 of the clock. The light switch G of the automobile being u ed P i e'fi illal.; l;will' .ride on the insulation until'engaged by the switch segment inset therein, at which time j the clock'hands andthe indicator agree as to time, and the circuit is closed and will so 'remain until the segment rotates out of engagement with the terminal 31. r 7 As theterminal 30 engages theswitch segment permanently,- approximately at its axis ofrotation, there is a minimum resistance to lts rotation, and as the terminals are at all times insulated from the clock mechanism, no

interferencewith the accuracy of the clock ispossiblefrom electric action. Under the 7 above conditions the lights would go out when the circuit was broken as described, and I have made provisions to anticipate that event and continue the lighting. 7 I The main purpose of this device is to automatically close the light circuit at a required time,:and a reasonable time isprovided for -maintaining the circuit in the absence of the operator, It is necessary howeyer to provide for continuous. lighting after the lights are on and before the 'circuitis broken I therefore provide. anotheriswitch- IrI in the circuit 1 which operates to shuntthe-current through the usual circuit at the will of the operator.

NVhen employing my device ior' predetermining the time of lighting,-thisswitch is in turned to on-position at any time'the're after," the circuit. through 3 the lights vwill ,be

direct and without reference to thefurther operation ofthe device, and the lights will remain on until the lightrswitch; G is. thrown in the-usual manner. 1 Thisdevice be 1 equally well employed asa circuit breaker by 1. In a time controlled switcln having a switch memberjrotatable in'fixed relation m timing mechanism and with a terminal holder concentricallyadjustable relation to the axis ottheswitch member, the combination therewith" of a pair of insulated terminals" mounted in the holder, one in o'perativel-engagement with the switch member, the other adapted to'b'e engaged thereby to' close the circuit, as the switch member is rotated by the timingmechanism ;imeans for rotating the termin-alholderto ust the angular, rela i tt h ter fin 'ls's ifi th mber described my ih e ti n, 1

off position, and the-electric. current will 9 operate as described. If the switch is for the purpose of closing the electric circuit at a predetermined time in the cycle ofthe timing mechanism.

2. In a time controlled switch, having a switch member rotatable in fixed relation to timing mechanism and with a terminal holder concentrically adjustable in relation to the axisof the switch member, the combination therewith of a pair of insulated terminals mounted in the holder, one in operative engagement with the switch member, the other adapted to be engaged thereby to close the circuit, as the switch member is rotated by the timing mechanism; an indicator operatively connected with the terminal holder; means for rotatin the terminal holder and the indicator to at ljust the angular relation of the terminals and the switch member; for

as elements a movable switch member a pair of terminals, one in engagement therewith, the other ad ustable relative thereto to close the circuit as the switch is moved, and an indicator; the combination therewith of operative connections between the indicator and the terminals, adjustable to position the terminals relative to the switch member such that the electric circuit may be either closed or opened at a pre-indicated time depending on the adjusted position of the terminal relative to the switch member.

HUGH W. DRIFTMEYER.

the purpose of closing the electric circuit at I a predetermined and preindicated time in the cycle of the timing mechanism.

3. In a time controlled switch havin a switch memberrotatably coordinated with, and in fixed relation to timing mechanism, a terminal holder concentrically adjustable in relation to the axis of the switch member, an indicator, and operative connections between the terminal holder and the indicator through which movement of the indicator is transmitted to rotate the terminal holder to adjust the angular relation of the terminals and the switch member, the combination therewith of a pair of insulated terminals mounted in the holder, one in operative engagement with the switch member, the other ada ted to be engaged thereby as it is rotated I by t e timing mechanism, as and for the purpose described.

4. In a time controlled switch, in combination with timing mechanism, a switch member rotatably coordinated therewith and insulated therefrom; a pair of insulated terminals, one in operative engagement with the switch member, the other adjustable to be engaged thereby to close the circuit as the switch member is rotated by the timing mechanism; for the purpose of closing an electric circuit at a predetermined time in the cycle of the timing mechanism.

5. In a time controlled switch, in combination with timing mechanism, a switch member movably coordinated therewith and insulated therefrom; a pair of insulated terminals, one in operative engagement with the switch member, the other adjustable to be engaged thereby to close the circuit, as the switch is moved by the timing mechanism; an indicator; operativeconnections between the indicator and the terminals, by means of which the angular relation of the terminals and the switch member may be adjusted; for the purpose of closing the electric circuit at a pre-indicated time in the cycle of the timing mechanism. V

6. In a time controlled switch, including 

